Computer-based image capture system

Abstract

A system is disclosed for capturing, displaying, annotating, cataloging and storing still and video images using a programmed digital computer. The computer has an input port for receiving digital images, a display screen, a keyboard, a cursor pointing device and a digital storage medium. The computer is programmed to carry out the following tasks: (a) Capture selected images and video clips in response to a capture input to the computer by the user. The computer displays such captured images on the display screen and allows the user to insert text and drawing annotations on the images. (b) Export user-selected ones of the stored images into a word processing document template for creating a report. (c) Store selected ones of the captured images and word processed reports in association with an identity name input to the computer by the user. (d) Create a directory of stored images in accordance with the identity name.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of the U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 010,925 filed Dec. 13, 2004, entitled “COMPUTER BASED IMAGE CAPTURE SYSTEM WITH FOOT-SWITCH, NETWORK SUPPORT AND STREAMING VIDEO” which, in turn, claims priority from the U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 529,035, filed Dec. 12, 2003, entitled “SYSTEM FOR CAPTURING AND ANNOTATING STILL AND VIDEO IMAGES FOR MEDICAL REPORTS”.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to a computer system for capturing, storing, displaying and modifying a plurality of digital images (still and / or video images) and adding text thereto if desired. The system of the present invention is particularly useful in creating records and / or reports containing such images and for archival storage and / or transmission of such records and / or reports to another location. [0003] The medical imaging art includes a number of different types of camera syst...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0024] A principal object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for capturing, annotating and storing still and / or video images and for creating and archiving reports including these images, which overcomes one or more of the disadvantages noted above.

[0025] The present invention provides an easy to use system that includes support for VFW (Video for Windows) and provides WDM (Windows Device Manager) compatible device drivers to capture digital images (still or video) from any type of camera. The system incorporates an easy-to-use Graphic User Interface (GUI) that has pictures to illustrate actions. The system also includes a foot-pedal to capture images and video directly to an “Identity folder”. The images can then be reviewed using the system software or Reporter software from any computer on the network. All the images can be captured directly to any location set by the user, either on a local storage drive or a network server.

Problems solved by technology

There are quite a number of disadvantages to this presently known approach.

The equipment—particularly the software—cost is high and not easily affordable to small medical practices.

There is no convenient way of making the images and video available for viewing in the doctor's office after the procedure is complete.

Traditional media cannot readily interface with a hospital or clinic's computer network for preparing reports and for archival storage.

Annotation capabilities are very limited in the current image-capture systems.

Images acquired and archived using print media, and analog storage devices such as videotape, cannot be easily emailed or used in presentations.

Live or captured (stored) video cannot be streamed easily over the Internet.

Cataloguing and filing of stored images, including video, are a manual and labor-intensive process.

Capturing still images and video clips, viewing captured images, cataloguing, annotation, and reporting using a Microsoft Word-based blank report templates or documents is not easily achieved in an integrated platform.

If live video is previewed on a dedicated television or computer monitor, it adds to the cost of equipment.

Playback, cataloguing and filing of still and video images captured on media are a manual and labor intensive process.

Electronic reporting software limits the user's ability to customize reports.

There is currently no user-friendly method for capturing still and / or video images and creating reports incorporating these images.

Images